Individual-1, a joke or a threat? (talk Trump)

[Cunt]

It ends up with far too many poor people negatively affected. The work gangs might be better, if they included better classes of criminal in prisons.

Just imagine what TREMENDOUS work would have gotten done, if the last 8 presidents served on those work crews!

[Forty Two]

Given modern technology, it's time the prison system was mostly ended now.

It's "college" for criminals, and it's abusive and damaging to the inmates.

I think we have the technology to develop house arrest systems that would work much better. Keep criminals away from each other, not all crammed up each other's bung holes.

Sounds better...keep all the guards, but take away the buildings. Sunshine for everyone (guards are 'in prison' lots of the time, too)

I think you could keep some prisons for those who purposefully violate their restrictions, and for some violent criminals. However, most criminals could be tagged or microchipped, and made to wear devices which record and track their movements and record everything they say and do. Have a computer system that can make a display of the location of every single convict, and have them be in basically a "virtual prison." If they stay clean, they stay out - if they commit an offense while in virtual jail, they do a stint in prison. And, with so many fewer inmates, they could each be housed in their own room and be kept clear of each other for the most part, so they can't get into as much trouble.

Instead of doing time in prison, make the virtual inmates do charitable work, like building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Monitor all communications, so they have to go years without any communication with another convict or felon.

[Forty Two]

Trigger Warning!!!1! :

30 days in county or 160 hours of community service? Color me picking up trash on SR70. We have chain gangs here, though most of them don't have actual shackles. You see them doing roadwork, cutting fire breaks, clearing brush, etc. They do get paid for it. Not much, probably 30 cents an hour or something, but they get out of the prison and into fresh air. Prisoners compete for the jobs, and only trustworthy ones are selected. I've seen both county and state prisoners working.

[Cunt]

Instead of doing time in prison, make the virtual inmates do charitable work, like building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Monitor all communications, so they have to go years without any communication with another convict or felon.

You understand, of course, how this is going to affect communities with close ties?

No communication with my Mom? I mean, I don't talk to her anyway, but fuck man, have a heart. Some folks like their Mommies...

[JimC]

Given modern technology, it's time the prison system was mostly ended now.

It's "college" for criminals, and it's abusive and damaging to the inmates.

I think we have the technology to develop house arrest systems that would work much better. Keep criminals away from each other, not all crammed up each other's bung holes.

That could work for a certain proportion, but there are dangerous arseholes who need to be locked up for the safety of the community.

But I agree that a significant part of the prison population could be dealt with in other ways, particularly if most drug possession did not incur criminal sanctions.

As far as the earlier debate goes, forcing prison inmates to work has some but not all of the attributes of slavery; simply saying a particular label applies (or denying it altogether) in a situation like this is a black or white response to a more nuanced issue...

[laklak]

The U.S. military still sentences people to hard labor.

[Forty Two]

Given modern technology, it's time the prison system was mostly ended now.

It's "college" for criminals, and it's abusive and damaging to the inmates.

I think we have the technology to develop house arrest systems that would work much better. Keep criminals away from each other, not all crammed up each other's bung holes.

That could work for a certain proportion, but there are dangerous arseholes who need to be locked up for the safety of the community.

For some violent criminals, I agree. But, with a lower prison population, there would be space a-plenty to warehouse them, and keep them from interacting. One of the worst things about prisons is that they create a community of criminals that teach each other shit, and form networks. You get out, and nobody will hire you - or hardly anyone - but, you know a guy, and another guy, and all of you need money, and all of you learned some skills in chokey.

But I agree that a significant part of the prison population could be dealt with in other ways, particularly if most drug possession did not incur criminal sanctions.

Drug use and possession should not have criminal penalty. Drug sales alone, without violence, should get no jail time. The former should get treatment for addiction, and the latter should get 24-7 monitor, recording and surveillance - everyone they come in contact with would be recorded and potentially verified and checked out. The criminal network would be dissipated or easy to find.

As far as the earlier debate goes, forcing prison inmates to work has some but not all of the attributes of slavery; simply saying a particular label applies (or denying it altogether) in a situation like this is a black or white response to a more nuanced issue...

I wouldn't force them to work. Most of them want to work in some fashion. Sitting in 4 x 8 cell all day must drive you bonkers. I had in-school suspension once in high school - sat in a classroom silently - not allowed to do anything - just for one day - and we were allowed lunch -- I almost went insane watching the clock tick. 5 years in prison? Can't be the same coming out of there. And, not in a good way.

[pErvinalia]

Did you try argue that black is white with the teacher?

[Sean Hayden]

Why wouldn't you force them to work? How about just around the prison: in the kitchen, in the laundry, as a barber, etc?

[JimC]

Earlier in the thread, wasn't there a post about forcing prisoners to work on the Mexican wall? That has some aspects of slavery, but I agree with 42 that voluntary work by prisoners is something most of them would appreciate...

[Sean Hayden]

The wall is a problem. What do you think of California's inmate firefighters?

[JimC]

The wall is a problem. What do you think of California's inmate firefighters?

Good idea, but I'm sure I've read that is voluntary...

[pErvinalia]

I don't think it is a good idea, as firefighting involves a lot of skills and is a very dangerous environment. Not good to have untrained people out there. Not only puts them at risk, but other actual firefighters who might have to risk their lives to save them if they get in trouble.

[Sean Hayden]

Work is all but mandatory. Where is largely up to ability and chance.

[Sean Hayden]

I don't think it is a good idea, as firefighting involves a lot of skills and is a very dangerous environment. Not good to have untrained people out there. Not only puts them at risk, but other actual firefighters who might have to risk their lives to save them if they get in trouble.

They are trained.